If you have a child who participates in sporting activities, you may be familiar with the types of injuries they can experience because of a sporting accident. In any sport, but especially contact sports, participants may be subject to head injuries. If you or someone you know experienced a head injury due to sports, here are a few things you need to know:
The most common head injury in sports is a concussion.
A concussion is classified as a mild traumatic brain injury. Concussions generally result from a blow or jolt to the body or head. When the blow is hard enough, it will cause the brain to bounce around rapidly inside of the skull. This movement affects how the brain normally functions. Hard hits are common in many contact sports, such as football, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, or even basketball. Short-term symptoms and effects include headaches, nausea, memory problems, and mood swings. Individuals can usually observe these symptoms soon after the injury happens, but some effects may linger or take days or weeks to appear.
Coaches and trainers must follow specific protocol when dealing with concussions or any head injuries.
When a young sports participant is injured during a game or even in practice, coaches and trainers are expected to be proactive in their attention and care for the injury. Coaches should immediately pull the individual from the activity, evaluate the player for brain injury and concussion, and treat the situation accordingly. Injured players also should not return to play until a qualified health care provider releases them to return to activity. When this protocol is overlooked, additional injury and effects are likely to occur, putting the individual’s health and well-being at risk.
Participants who suffer from multiple concussions or head injuries may need to enter into early sports retirement.
When an individual suffers from multiple concussions over the course of their sporting career, doctors must evaluate them extra carefully. The effects, both short and long-term, become more serious as the number of injuries increases. While there is no specific number to look for, after multiple concussions, a participant may need to step away from sports. If a coach or supervisor tries to push an athlete to ignore this advice, they are neglecting the safety and well-being of the athlete.
Concussions can have long-term effects.
Concussions are usually on the milder end, especially compared to other brain injuries. However, there are cases involving multiple concussions or brain injuries where athletes see long-term effects. These effects include problems with memory, critical thinking, problem solving, balance, sight, expression, and communication. Those suffering from long-term brain injury effects may have problems processing emotions, and may be more liable to face depression, aggression, and anxiety.
Contact an Oklahoma Personal Injury Lawyer
If you know a child who has suffered from a concussion or brain injury due to negligence of a coach or trainer, it may be in your best interest to contact a qualified personal injury lawyer. At the Abel Law Firm, we have experience dealing with a variety of personal injury cases. We know what to look for in your case to determine who is responsible for your child’s suffering. Concussions can come with pain, suffering, and expensive medical bills, but you do not have to face them alone. To find out more about our legal team, and discuss the details of your case, contact our office at (405) 239-7046.
